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Ransomware Hits Mac Computers

March 8 2016, 3:10 pm

by Wes Sovis

General

Mac Computers at Risk of Ransomware

Last week, the 24-hour news outlets reported the first recorded instances of Mac computers that were attacked by ransomware attackers. It's been reported that these hackers used "keRanger" ransomware by means of corrupting a software program called Transmission, which is a common program for transferring data through BitTorrent.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomeware has been receiving plenty of attention over the last year or so. Ransomeware is a type of malware that, after infecting a computer, will restrict a user's access to the computer unless the user pays money through BitCoin to have their access restored. Mac computers have largely avoided succumbing to such attacks; as few as 6,500 cases have been reported. Apple says they've resolved the issue - at least for now.

Mac owners should count themselves lucky, as PCs are exponentially more susceptible to this type of malware. Symantec, a cyber security firm, reports almost 8.8 million attacks on computers running Windows OS in 2014.

Ransomware Threat to Mac Resolved

According to Transmission, the threat to Mac computers is resolved. They removed v2.90 for their website to halt people from downloading the malware from their site. Over the weekend, Transmission released v2.92, which automatically removes ransomeware that was downloaded by Mac users running v2.90.

Ransomeware is unlikely to go away anytime soon. To avoid ransomware, avoid downloading software from less than reliable sources, or avoid downloading software altogether by utilizing web applications that are much safer, as they don't expose your system to outside programs like downloaded software does. If you have questions about ransomware, web applications, or ways to work around a compromised computer, we're more than happy to help!

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